The ongoing housing crunch is coming to the fore in the central area now that an arrangement that saw close to forty people housed in Gander hotels is drawing to a close.

Newfoundland and Labrador Housing says some 39 people were being kept at select hotels in Gander, but with summer hotel reservations now coming into play, current placements are coming to an end effective May 28.

NL Housing says staff have been meeting with those affected to make referrals or identify placement options and they are working with community organizations to help assess short-term shelter options to address immediate needs.

Plans are underway to issue requests for proposals in the central and western regions in the coming weeks, similar to those issues in the St. John’s area.